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Sophie Mackay, Kimberley Wells ad
Sarah Roy hold the last four titles between them and all three
are back looking to claim another. Don't expect them to have
it all their own way with former under 23 winners Emily Roper,
Shannon Malseed and Jessica Mundy looking to add the elite
title to their palmares.
The under 23 category will also be hotly contested with track
stars Josie Talbot, Nicola Macdonald and Kristina Clonan names
to watch.
2016 Results
1 Sophie MACKAY
2 Lizzie WILLIAMS +0
3 Lauren KITCHEN +0
4 Ruth CORSET +2
5 Sarah ROY +6
6 Miranda GRIFFITS +6
7 Minda MURRAY +11
8 Amanda SPRATT +17
9 Chloe MCCONVILLE +24
10 Jessica MUNDY +32
Past Winners
2016 Sophie Mackay
2015 Kimberley Wells
2014 Sarah Roy
2013 Kimberley Wells
2012 Alexis Rhodes
2011 Lauren Kitchen
2010 Carly Light
The Route
The 1.1km circuit is the same as previous years but is not
flat, starting with a brief rise before a descent and an
uphill final 400m to the finish at around 3%.
The Contenders
Full start list available
here.
Kimberley Wells
The 'Flying Doctor' Kimberley Wells is chasing title number
three in 2017 after claiming the green and gold in 2013 and
2015. Had a busy season in 2017 racing in Australia, Europe
and the US and took three UCI wins to seal her status as one
of Australia's top sprinters. Knows the course and if she
heads to Ballarat with the form she has in the past will be
difficult to beat.
Sarah Roy, Georgia Baker and
Orica-Scott
Orica-Scott bring a strong team including 2014 winner Sarah
Roy, who will be eyeing another green and gold jersey. After a
number of podium finishes in Europe Roy broke though for a
maiden win at the Boels Rental Ladies Tour in a strong field.
Roy's speed makes her dangerous in a sprint and with a
powerful leadout she will be a name to watch.
After making her Olympic debut on the track Georgia Baker
turns professional with Orica-Scott. Baker cemented her status
as one Australia's up and coming sprinters as she dominant the
National Road Series sprints in 2015. Loren Rowney gives the
team another fast finisher if something happens to Roy or
Baker during the race.
Katrin Garfoot, Amanda Spratt, Gracie Elvin add attacking
opportunities to the team and can all finish off well from
select groups. With Jessica Allen and Jenelle Crooks the team
has plenty of firepower and options to play.
Jessica Mundy
Mundy steps up to the elite ranks after claiming the under 23
title in 2016. Spent 2016 racing in the US where she won the
under 25 title in the USA Crits. A quick finisher who has a
track background and spent December racing on the track at the
Oceania Championships and Madison and Omnium Nationals.
Without a strong team behind her adding the elite title to her
name will be hard but don't discount her because of that.
Peta Mullens
The 2015 Road Champion has her eyes on another road crown but
she cannot be discounted in the criterium. A quick finisher
who has tastes success at the Bay Crits in the past. The
uphill drag to the line suits the Mountain Biker and if she is
well positioned could pull on another green and gold jersey.
Sophie Mackay
After taking a surprise win in 2016 Mackay headed to the US
and her success continued. Had the underdog status last year
but flying under the radar will be much harder this time.
Emily Roper
A two time winner of the under 23 race Roper will compete in
the elite category for the first time in 2017. The last two
years have seen Roper focus on her nursing degree but she has
still raced a number of NRS events and always produces strong
results. Despite the limited racing expect Roper to be in the
mix.
Other names to watch: Minda Murray, Kendelle Hodges, Lauretta
Hanson and Shannon Malseed.
Under 23
Josie Talbot
The former junior track world champion raced her first elite
Road Nationals last year just missing the podium in fourth.
Spent 2016 racing in the US with a heavy focus on criteriums.
Packs a very quick finish but isn't afraid to go on the attack
either. Comes in off the back of a strong showing including
medals at both the Oceania Track Championships and Omnium and
Madison Nationals.
Kristina Clonan
Clonan steps up to the elite ranks and is a big favourite for
the under 23 crown. Packs a very quick finish and claimed
bronze in the scratch race at the Junior Track World
Championships in 2016. Comes in with good form from the
Oceania and Omnium and Madison National Track Championships in
December. Impressed against an elite field in the NRS last
year.
Nicola Macdonald
Nicola Macdonald is another rider who makes the step up from
the under 19 ranks. A Junior Track World Championship
medallist in 2015. Comes in with good form after two second
place finishes at the Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals and a
strong showing on the track. Sacrificed personal results at
the Omnium National Championships but pulled big turns looking
after teammate Josie Talbot.
Keep an eye on Jessica Pratt who produced good results in the
National Road Series last year but is better suited to the
road race. |
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